By Norman Nock
Fuel pump: The fuel pump on early Healeys was mounted above the exhaust system, then in later models it was moved to the other side of the car. Heat from the exhaust can cause gas in the pump to boil. When this happens, the pump continues clicking, this will cause a lean mixture. To quote from the SU factory service manual “do not mount the pump in a position exposed too close to direct heat radiating from the exhaust.”
Mounting the fuel pump forward of the engine away from exhaust heat will prevent the fuel from boiling. The fuel line should be run along the edge of the right chassis rail, and the pump mounted on the front chassis crosspiece as shown in photo 1.
Oil coolers: If the oil runs too hot, the pressure will drop. To keep the oil cool, you need an oil cooler. The ideal spot to mount the cooler is in its own air flow. To do that, cut a hole in the bottom of the shroud and remove the bumper as they do for racing. The cooler can also be fitted vertically on the side of the radiator, as was done on some factory cars, but this requires cutting into the metal bracket at the top of the radiator. The easiest place to mount the cooler is on its own bracket on the cross rail in front of the radiator. To do this the oil lines need a 90 degree connection on one end, as shown in photo 2, and a 45 degree bend on the other to allow it to clear the distributor on a BJ8.The cooler lines can be fitted to the original filter or to a screw-on type with a correct adapter. Both are available If your car is fitted with two shields in front of the radiator, the top of the right shield will need to be tweaked to let the oil lines pass by. If the oil pressure is a little low at 3000 RPM after installation of a cooler, then the spring pressure in the relief valve will have to be increased.
The big fans: If you have done everything to your car, including checking the accuracy of the temperature gauge, and it is still running too hot at slow speeds, install a 6-blade stainless steel fan. One of these steel! Chrome fans will increase the flow of air through the radiator and help hold down engine temperatures. A full steel shroud around the fan will keep your fingers out. Generally, spacers need to be fitted between the fan and the pump pulley. Aluminum spacers can be used, or for a neater look, the hub from the old fan can be used. (For additional information on fans, see Mark Lambert' article in the February 1995 issue.—ed.)
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